Retrospective immunohistochemical investigation on dolphin morbillivirus infection by comparing the performance of heterologous monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies – Short communication

Abstract Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) is a pathogen of great concern in free-ranging cetaceans. Confirmation and staging infections rely on histology immunohistochemistry (IHC), following molecular detection. As at the present time no specific antibodies (Abs) against DMV are available, two heterologous Abs have been used worldwide for examinations One monoclonal Ab (MoAb) prepared N protein canine distemper virus (CDV), whereas other polyclonal raised rabbits rinderpest (RPV). Both known to show cross-reactivity with DMV. In this study we compared labelling quality neuroanatomical distribution staining these by means IHC analysis. To end, serial sections target organs from ten stranded cetaceans, previously diagnosed as being infected PCR and/or serology, were subjected IHC. The brain, lungs lymph nodes one animal found be positive both Abs. From animals, brain spleen, respectively, tested only Ab. tissues, multifocal immunostaining was observed, similar location extent, tested. Our results suggest that anti-RPV might stronger binding activity than anti-CDV MoAb. Nevertheless, elaboration use anti-DMV essential guarantee conclusive diagnostic pathogenetic investigations.